M7040 Won't Start

[CFDWheeler]

Like the title states 2013 M7040 SUHD 72 hrs. Used it to remove snow, started and ran fine, then parked it. Next day, went to start it and nothing. Checked the battery and it's good. Dash lights come on, wait to start light operates as normal, turn the key and nothing, no sounds not even a click, whether clutch is depressed or not.

I verified The simple things like shift lever in neutral, clutch depressed, pto switch off, seat safety switch. The wires going to the starter are not loose.

It seems like something simple, as a wire or switch. Are there any wires under the tractor that could have come loose or gotten ice in them? Any help on where else to look would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[GWD]

Be sure to check the fuses. Especially the big one by the starter.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I'm thinking possibly bad starter relay???
I emailed you a link or the WSM download, might shed some light on it.

 

[Tx Jim]

I'd suggest to check/clean/tighten all 4 battery cable connections. Also possible faulty neutral start switch or wiring.

 

[GWD]

You can eliminate some of the issues by a simple (but risky) test. Expect sparks.

Use a battery jumper cable to ground the battery directly to the engine. Then use the positive on the cable to go from the battery positive to the positive on the starter. The starter should turn.

Removing the stock tractor's battery cables and attaching the jumper cable directly to the battery's posts is the best test. Sometimes the stock battery cables corrode or don't make a good connection.

If the connection to the solenoid is tried then the starter should engage and turn (out of gear, of course!!).

If the starter will not turn over with a direct connection, it may be disabled.

If connecting to the solenoid doesn't turn the starter, but the starter turns when the positive is connected directly to it, then it may be the solenoid.

If the starter/solenoid is OK, then you can start investigating the wiring, fuses, and relays.

A downloadable wiring diagram is available from Messick's or Kubota.

Edit: As an aside, the battery may show 12V and light lights, but not have enough amperage to turn the starter. It takes a lot. Since your tractor is only a couple of years old, that is not likely the case.

 

[CFDWheeler]

Did not get a chance to mess with it today...

Be sure to check the fuses. Especially the big one by the starter.

Oddly enough, I haven't checked fuses yet. They will be the first to eliminate tomorrow, thanks.

I'm thinking possibly bad starter relay???
I emailed you a link or the WSM download, might shed some light on it.

I got your link, thank you very much!

I'd suggest to check/clean/tighten all 4 battery cable connections. Also possible faulty neutral start switch or wiring.

Battery and connections are all verified good. I have not inspected neutral start switch. I will need to find that.

You can eliminate some of the issues by a simple (but risky) test. Expect sparks.

Use a battery jumper cable to ground the battery directly to the engine. Then use the positive on the cable to go from the battery positive to the positive on the starter. The starter should turn.

Removing the stock tractor's battery cables and attaching the jumper cable directly to the battery's posts is the best test. Sometimes the stock battery cables corrode or don't make a good connection.

If the connection to the solenoid is tried then the starter should engage and turn (out of gear, of course!!).

If the starter will not turn over with a direct connection, it may be disabled.

If connecting to the solenoid doesn't turn the starter, but the starter turns when the positive is connected directly to it, then it may be the solenoid.

If the starter/solenoid is OK, then you can start investigating the wiring, fuses, and relays.

A downloadable wiring diagram is available from Messick's or Kubota.

Edit: As an aside, the battery may show 12V and light lights, but not have enough amperage to turn the starter. It takes a lot. Since your tractor is only a couple of years old, that is not likely the case.

I am no mechanic, but I think I understand what you are trying to walk me through, thank you. I may give it a shot.
The battery is just fine according to my voltmeter and "smart" charger.

Thanks again guys. Will try to report back tomorrow.

 

[Dave_eng]

Here is the manual troubleshooting section.
Slow Blow fuse looks like a possibility.
Do you have owner's manual? If not I will try and get one to you.
The slow blow fuses look to be under the hood near the front of the engine
Dave M7040

 

[CFDWheeler]

Thank you Dave. I have the WSM, but it is at home on my computer. I was unaware of the "slow blow" fuses. I've never heard of them, but I will look for them when I get a chance to get back out to the tractor.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thank you Dave. I have the WSM, but it is at home on my computer. I was unaware of the "slow blow" fuses. I've never heard of them, but I will look for them when I get a chance to get back out to the tractor.

It's not the main fuse / slow blow fuse, as you have dash lights, if it was that all power would be lost.
Try moving all levers, that is usually the problem.
A bad / misaligned / misadjusted safety switch can stop you dead in your tracks.

 

[CFDWheeler]

Try moving all levers, that is usually the problem.
A bad / misaligned / misadjusted safety switch can stop you dead in your tracks.

I did that originally countless times thinking it had to be the problem, to no avail.


I went and checked the fuse block under the dash to the right. There is a mini 5amp starter relay fuse in there. I pulled it and it looked fine, not blown. I replaced it for shits and giggles with one of the included spares. The tractor fired right up!!!!

I tried to take a picture of the bad/not blown fuse, but it's too blurry to get a good pic of something that small with my phone.

After speaking with the dealer I bought it from (he has been awesome), he said they have had severa M7040's blow the same fuse and they all look good. Kinda weird, but up back up and running again!

Thanks for the help folks!

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Well I wasn't far off thinking starter relay.
Glad to here you got it running.
I has a batch of bad fuses years ago, they would burn at the connection and not at the indicator, real frustrating.